Beverlye Edwards

Beverlye was an incredibly gifted, gregarious, and dynamic individual.  As a longtime resident of Bishop Gadsden she appreciated the friendships with residents, staff and employees that contribute to the unique beauty of the community.   

Born in 1935 in Baton Rouge, her parents encouraged Beverlye to pursue academic excellence as well activities that brought her joy.  They modeled the qualities of hard work, kindness, respect, resilience and compassion that were reflected in Beverlye’s life.

Childhood photos of Bev chronicle her exuberance in every experience. As a toddler running barefoot through the grass embracing a puppy and laughing. As a 5-year-old, skipping along the downtown sidewalk after a tap dance performance. And then, as a teenager, smiling brightly for a newspaper photo as she was campaigning for General Eisenhower, decked out in        ‘I like Ike’ apparel.

As a young adult, Bev worked at Dow Laboratories where she met and fell in love with Bill Wright, a chemical engineer fresh out of Ga Tech.  They married, moved to Atlanta, and started a business- Wright Plastics. They also started a family, blessed with a son and daughter.  Their story seemed picture book perfect until Bill’s untimely death from leukemia.

Beverlye decided to return to Baton Rouge where her parents helped raise her two young children. Gradually, she renewed friendships and became involved with local theater and community projects.  She had always loved to travel – her first trip abroad was with a church group in her late teens. Each trip peeked her desire to see more of the world. Her lifetime travels included two trips down the Amazon, photo safaris and hot-air ballooning in Africa, snorkeling in the Caribbean and frequent visits to Europe. Her most memorable trip was the 50th year celebration of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy honoring WWII veterans.

After her children grew up, she relocated to the family beach house at Fripp Island.  This is where she spent her happiest years. She mastered one skill after another, enjoying every adventure. She was the first and youngest female volunteer firefighter on the island.  She was a champion for sea turtle rescue.  (when the family would come to visit they would find buckets of baby turtle eggs in the laundry room which were not be touched whatsoever!) She became a gourmet cook and loved entertaining. While living there, she met her dear friend John Hardin. By then, they were in their 70’s but did not want to slow down. They tackled projects and adventures and shared celebrations with family and friends on a regular basis. Their friendship brought Bev great happiness in her later years as they spent time traveling and, mostly, laughing. John encouraged Bev to become “Super-Grandma.” At Christmas, her car would literally be overflowing with gifts when she arrived.  Her grandkids had so much fun with her zest until she would ruthlessly beat them at any and every board game they played.

Bev was deeply involved with both chapel services at Fripp Island and her local church in Beaufort, SC.  Her generous spirit was often expressed in fundraising and organized programs. One project close to her heart was a struggling village in Zaire. She became friends with the missionary priest who lived and worked in the village. He wrote her letters with true, inspiring stories of the local families. She told her friends the stories, as well, and encouraged them to join her in supporting the village. She had a way of recognizing and partnering with people to help them achieve their worthy goals.

She was a doting Aunt and Grandmother to 2 nephews, 1 niece, 3 grand daughters and 1 grandson. We remember her as a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend as well. We will miss you, Bev.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, SC

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